Face mask and goggle system

ABSTRACT

A protective face mask system according to the present invention comprises a flexible mask body including an opening for receiving a lens, nose portion, a central portion positioned to the rear of and extending at least partially above the nose portion, a central receiving slot located between the nose portion and the central portion, right and left temple portions, each temple portion having a shaped receiving opening therethrough, left and right cheek portions, and at least one groove located adjacent one of the left and right cheek portions. A lens is provided sized to be received upon and cover the lens opening. The lens includes right and left temple portions including openings therein positioned to correspond to and align with the openings of the mask body when the lens is positioned for attachment to the mask body. The lens including at least a portion that snappingly engages the groove when a portion of the lens is inserted into the slot.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/682,566, the entire contents of which is incorporatedby reference as if fully set forth herein.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to the field of protective gear,and more specifically, to the field of protective face mask and gogglesystems for sports.

BACKGROUND

Paintball is a popular sporting game. It is played on a field includingobstacles. Generally, teams of players each have a flag located at theteam's home base. The object of the game is to “capture” the opposingteam's flag before they capture yours. Each player is armed with apaintball marker for firing projectiles. Most paintball markers arecompressed gas guns that shoot projectiles, otherwise known aspaintballs. Paintballs are generally spherical gelatin capsules filledwith paint, normally a non-toxic marking dye. If a player is hit withand marked by a paintball fired by a player on the opposing team thatplayer is eliminated from the game.

All players in the sport of paintball, and other action or recreationcombat sports such as airsoft, must wear protective equipment. One pieceof protective equipment that must be worn is a face mask, which mayincorporate goggles to protect the eyes, or may otherwise haveprotective lenses.

Known face mask and goggle systems suffer from various inadequacies.When a projectile, such as a paintball, impacts known face masks orgoggles near the nose portion of the face mask or goggles, the lensportion of the mask or goggle tends to separate from the body of themask or goggle. creating an opening. Projectile material can passthrough the opening, partially or wholly defeating the purpose of themask or goggle.

In addition, the lens of a face mask or goggle should preferably beeasily replaceable. Current face masks and goggles have complicatedarrangements for attaching lenses to the body of the face mask orgoggle. These known face masks and goggles make it is difficult toeasily and efficiently replace and/or clean the lenses when necessary.

Furthermore, current face mask and goggle systems do not have anacceptable arrangement for aligning the lenses on the bodies or framesof the face mask and goggle systems. It would be advantageous to have asimple and effective arrangement for aligning the lenses on the bodiesor frames of the face mask and goggle systems, and for keeping thelenses aligned during use.

Accordingly, there is the need for a face mask and/or goggle system thathas improved efficacy in keeping projectile materials from passingbetween the lens or body of the face mask and/or goggle.

There is further the need for a face mask and/or goggle system thatincludes a means for firmly attaching the lenses to the bodies or framesof the face mask and/or goggle system, while still permitting easyremoval and replacement.

There is even further the need for a face mask and/or goggle system thatincludes a means for aligning the lenses on the body or frame of theface mask and/or goggle system.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

A protective face mask system according to the present inventioncomprises a flexible mask body including an opening for receiving alens, nose portion, a central portion positioned to the rear of andextending at least partially above the nose portion, a central receivingslot located between the nose portion and the central portion, right andleft temple portions, each temple portion having a shaped receivingopening therethrough, left and right cheek portions, and at least onegroove located adjacent one of the left and right cheek portions. Atransparent flexible lens is provided sized to be received upon andcover the lens opening. The lens includes right and left temple portionsincluding openings therein positioned to correspond to and align withthe openings of the mask body when the lens is positioned for attachmentto the mask body. The lens including at least a portion that snappinglyengages the groove when a portion of the lens is inserted into the slot.

Fasteners are provided for securing the lens to the mask body. Thefasteners are preferably two-piece elements, each including a retainingelement and a corresponding retaining clip. The retaining elementincludes a retaining extension that inserts through the lens opening andthe corresponding opening in the mask body. The retaining clips includean opening including a cam surface. Rotating a retaining clip at leastabout a quarter turn about the retaining extension secures the lens tothe mask body through the camming action of the relative movement of theretaining clip and the retaining extension.

In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, locking tabs areprovided. These locking tabs act as clamps that secure the retainingclips in place when the retaining clips are rotated to a secured orlocked position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a front view of a face mask system according to the presentinvention, with the lens assembled on the mask body.

FIG. 2 shows a rear view of a face mask system according to the presentinvention, with the lens assembled on the mask body.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a face mask system according to thepresent invention from the front left, with the lens assembled on themask body.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a face mask system according to thepresent invention from the front left, with the lens removed, showingthe insertion of fasteners into the mask body.

FIG. 5 shows a front view of a lens for the face mask system of thepresent invention.

FIG. 6 shows a back view of the lens shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view from the right rear of the lens shown inFIG. 6.

FIG. 8 shows a left side perspective view of an embodiment of anassembled face mask according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view from the front left of a face masksystem according to the present invention.

FIG. 9A shows a close up view of the nose portion, central receivingslot, and central portion of the mask body and lens of the presentinvention shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 10 shows a cross sectional view taken along line 10-10 in FIG. 9,showing a nose extension section of the lens in a central receiving slotin the mask body.

FIG. 11 shows a cross sectional view taken along line 11-11 in FIG. 9,showing a left lower flange of the lens engaging a left lower groove ofthe mask body.

FIG. 12 shows a top plan view of an embodiment of the right and leftretainers of the present invention.

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the retainers shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 shows a partial cutaway view of the retainers shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 shows a partial cross sectional view from the front of the rightside retaining element inserted into and securing the lens to the maskbody with the right side retaining clip.

FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of the left side of the right sideretaining clip.

FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of the right side of the right sideretaining clip.

FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of the inner side of the right templeportion of the mask body with a right side retaining clip engaging aright side retainer in the first or unlocked position.

FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of the inner side of the right templeportion of the mask body with a right side retaining clip engaging aright side retainer in the second or locked position.

FIG. 20 shows an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the facemask system of the present invention.

FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of a locking tab of the presentinvention.

FIG. 22 shows a side perspective view of the locking tab shown in FIG.22.

FIG. 23 shows a side perspective view of a right side retaining clip ina locking position about a right side retainer, with the locking clip ofFIG. 21 inserted in a locking position.

FIG. 24 shows a perspective view of a left side retaining clip in alocking position about a left side retainer, with a left locking clipinserted in a locking position.

FIG. 25 shows a right front perspective view of a goggle systemaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 26 shows a right side view of a goggle system according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 27 shows a rear view of a goggle system according to the presentinvention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a novel face mask and lensarrangement, that provides increased protection to a user, and can beeasily assembled or disassembled. In another embodiment, the presentinvention is directed to a goggle and lens system. The protective facemask 10 is described herein with the right side 14 and left side 16 fromthe perspective of a user wearing the face mask 10, with each side 14,16 being essentially a mirror image of the opposite side. The inner side(or inner surface) 18 is that side facing a user wearing the face mask10, and the outer side 20 is that side facing away from the user.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4 and 20, a face mask 10 according to the presentinvention includes a mask body 12, having a nose portion 22, oppositetemple portions 24 (left side), temple portions 26 (right side), anupper portion 28, and a mouth portion 30. The mask body 12 is formedfrom a semi-rigid or flexible material, such as a rubber or plastic, orother acceptable material as is known in the art. Preferably, the maskbody 12 is formed from a flexible plastic, whereby the mask body 12 maybe deformed to allow and/or assist in the attachment and/or detachmentof the lens 48, as discussed in greater detail below. The mask body 12may have various vents 15 for air circulation.

FIG. 8 shows an alternate embodiment of the face mask system 10 of thepresent invention. The side portions, the left side 16 of which is shownin FIG. 8, may include an elastic ear piece portion 176, that a strap120 attaches to. The elastic ear piece portion 176 can be formed fromNEOPRENE, latex, foam, or other materials that are comfortable to auser, and also provide cushioning an support.

A lens opening 32, having right 32 r, left 32 l, upper 32 t and lower 32b portions, is provided for covering by the lens 48 for protecting theeyes of a user. The lens 48 is preferably a one-piece molded plastic atleast partially transparent lens that is flexible and can be bent orflexed to a certain degree, but is generally rigid. As shown in FIG. 4,a lens supporting portion 34 runs adjacent the perimeter of the lensopening 32, and may include at least one upper receiving groove 36 andat least one lower receiving groove 38 running along upper and lowerportions of the lens supporting portion 34, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 20.The upper groove 36 preferably runs along the outer side 20 of the maskbody 12 adjacent the upper portion 28, as shown in FIGS. 1-4, and 20.The lower groove 38 is preferably formed as left lower groove 38 a andright lower groove 38 b. The left lower groove 38 a is provided adjacentthe left cheek area 39 a of the mask body 12, and the right lower groove38 b is provided adjacent the right cheek area 39 b of the mask body 12.Each lower groove 38 a, 38 b extending from the respective adjacenttemple portion 24, 26 to adjacent the nose portion 22, as shown in FIGS.1-4.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 20, the upper groove 36 and the lower grooves 38a, 38 b may be formed as channels defined by channel walls 40 a, 40 b,42 a, 42 b. For example, channels walls 40 a, 40 b may be formed in themask body 12 running along the periphery of the upper groove 36.Similarly, channel walls 42 a and 42 b may be formed in the mask body 12running along the periphery of the left lower groove 38 a, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 20, and channel walls 42 c and 42 d may be formed in themask body 12 running along the periphery of the right lower groove 38 b.

The mask body 12 has a central portion 44 adjacent the lens supportingportion 34 which is raised above the nose portion 22, as shown in FIGS.3, 4 and 20. A central receiving slot 46 is provided between the centralportion 44 of the lens supporting portion 34 and the nose portion 22.The central receiving slot 46 extends downwardly relative to the normalorientation of the mask 10 as a U-shaped channel in the mask body 12.The central receiving slot 46 provides an opening for receiving the lens48 between the central portion 44 and the nose portion 22, as describedin greater detail below. The width of the central receiving slot 46 isapproximately about the width of the lens 48. Preferably, the width ofthe central receiving slot 46 is slightly smaller than the width of thelens 48.

As shown in FIGS. 5-7, a single piece lens 48 is provided for coveringthe lens opening 32, and providing protection to a user's eyes, and forpreventing the passage of, for example, paintballs during a paintballsport game or match. The lens 48 has an upper portion 50, a lowerportion 52, a right temple portion 54, a left temple portion 56, anouter surface 58, an inner surface 60, and a nose portion 66. The lens48 further comprises two nose extensions 68 a (left) and 68 b (right),extending adjacent the nose portion 66 of the lens 48, as shown in FIGS.5-7. Preferably, the lens 48 is larger than the lens opening 32, so thatthe lens 48 covers and preferably overlaps the lens receiving portion 34and rests against the mask body 12 when attached.

The lens 48 includes at least one upper flange 62 (or tongue, lip, ribor rim) adjacent to the upper portion 50 of the lens 48 and extendingalong the inner surface 60 of the lens 48 substantially between theright temple portion 54 and the left temple portion 56, as shown inFIGS. 6 and 7. The lens further includes at least one lower flange 64(or tongue, lip, rib or rim) adjacent the lower portion 52 of the lens48 and running along the inner surface 60 of the lens. The lower flange64 is preferably formed as separate lower left flange 64 a and a lowerright flange 64 b, as shown in FIG. 6, extending along at least aportion of the length of the inner surface 60 of the lens 48 along thelower portion 52.

The upper flange 62 is formed to correspond to the receiving groove 36,and the lower flanges 64 a, 64 b are formed to correspond respectivelyto the lower grooves 38 a, 38 b. The upper flange 62 will engage thereceiving groove 36, and the lower flanges 64 a, 64 b will engage thereceiving grooves 38 a, 38 b when the lens 48 is in an attachedposition. The flanges 62, 64 a, 64 b may be formed to snap into therespective receiving grooves 36, 38 a, 38 b when the when the lens 48 isin an attached position, such as when the nose portion 66 of the lens 48is inserted into the central receiving slot 46.

Preferably, the flanges 62, 64 a, 64 b are sized and shaped to bereceived in the receiving grooves 36, 38 a, 38 b in such a manner thatthe flanges 62, 64 a, 64 b and receiving grooves 36, 38 a, 38 b act toassist in aligning the lens 48 on the lens supporting portion 34 of themask body 12, and further assist in preventing slippage or movement ofthe lens 48 relative to the mask body 12 when in use.

The mask body 12 may be formed from a flexible or pliable plastic, orany other similar material or material having similar properties, sothat portions of the mask body 12 may be flexed, or the entire mask bodymay be flexed. The material of the mask body 12 should be selected sothat it is sufficiently rigid and impact resistant to provide protectionto a user when worn, and is also flexible but will return tosubstantially its original shape when released from flexing. Forexample, with the mask body 12 formed from a flexible material, opposingsides 14, 16 may be brought closer to each other, deforming the shape ofthe mask body 12. Portions of the mask body 12 in the area of thecentral portion 44, nose portion 22, cheek portions 39 a, 39 b, andadjacent the grooves 38 a, 38 b, may be flexed when the opposing sides14, 16 are brought closer to each other.

In particular, when the opposing sides 14, 16 are brought closertogether, deforming the mask body 12, the cheek portion 39 a, 39 b areasadjacent the middle ends 37 a, 37 b of the grooves 38 a, 38 b and areasurrounding the central portion 44, and nose portion 22 are flexed. Whenthe mask body 12 is sufficiently flexed, at least a portion of the noseextensions 68 a and/or 68 b and/or a portion of the nose portion 22 arepositioned at least partially within the central receiving slot 46, andthe combined thickness of the flanges 64 a, 64 b of the lens 48 and thelens 48 are permitted to pass snappingly into the grooves 38 a, 38 b, asshown in FIGS. 11. The area where snapping engagement will generallyinitially and most substantially take place is shown in detail in FIG. 9a, adjacent the middle portions 37 a, 37 b of the lower grooves 64 a, 64b, as the depicted area is closest to the nose portion 22, centralreceiving slot 46 and central portion 44, and will be flexed to a lesserdegree than the other portions of the mask body 12.

When the flanges 64 a, 64 b are snapped into place, such as betweenflexed channel walls 40 a, 40 b, and 42 a, 42 b, the nose portion 22 andnose extensions 68 a and 68 b of the lens 48 are seated in the centralreceiving slot 46, as shown in FIG. 10. When the mask body 12 ispermitted to return to its original (non-flexed or non-deformed) shape,the portions of the flanges 64 a, 64 b of the lens 48 that have notsnapped into place are now aligned, and will engage the grooves 38 a, 38b, while the nose portion 66 and nose extensions 68 a and 68 b will beheld within the central receiving slot 46. The lens 48 is now positionedfirmly about the lens supporting portion 34 of the mask body 12.

It is preferable that the width of the central receiving slot 46 issized (in its non-flexed or non-deformed state) to be about thethickness of the lens 48. When the mask body 12 is flexed such as bymoving the opposing sides 14, 16 closer to each other, and the centralportion 44 and area adjacent the grooves 38 a, 38 b is flexed ordeformed. With the nose portion 66 of the lens 48 in the receiving slot46, the flanges 64 a, 64 b can pass by the surface of the area adjacentthe grooves 38 a, 38 b, such as channel walls 40 a and 40 b, into thereceiving grooves 38 a, 38 b. Once the flanges 64 a, 64 b snap intoplace in the grooves 38 a, 38 b, the nose portion 22 and nose extensions68 a, 68 b can drop further into and be seated in the central receivingslot 46. The nose extensions 68 a, 68 b are supported at or adjacent tothe bottom of the slot 46, as shown in FIG. 10. This provides a firmlocking or snapping engagement of the nose portion 22 and flanges 64 a,64 b into the mask body 12. Releasing the mask body 12 and allowing itto return to its non-deformed, non-flexed, normal state provides an eventighter engagement of the full length of the flanges 64 a, 64 b with thereceiving grooves 38 a, 38 b. It is preferred that a user would not beable to remove the lens 48 from its engagement with the mask bodywithout flexing or otherwise deforming the mask body 12.

This engagement further assists in fixing the lens 48 in place when inuse. It is appreciated that, due to the design of the present invention,this arrangement will firmly hold the lens 48 in place on the mask body12. The face mask system 10 of the present invention comprises evenfurther means for maintaining the lens in place attached to the maskbody, as discussed below.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, a central portion 70 of the upper portion 28 mayextend or otherwise slope downward, and engage a receiving portion 72 inthe middle of the upper portion 50 of the lens 48. The upper flange 62of the lens 48 is received within the upper receiving groove 36. Becausethe mask body 12 is formed from a flexible material, the upper flange 62of the lens 48 can additionally snap into the upper receiving groove 36.This provides an additional alignment means for maintaining the lens 48in the correct position on the mask body 12.

According to a further feature of the present invention, the centralportion 44 of the lens supporting portion 34 is formed so that, in itsnormal orientation, the central portion 44 is higher than (raised orabove) the nose portion 22, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 20. The centralportion 44 may be formed having a central support wall 74, which is agenerally flat, U-shaped surface against which the nose portion 66 ofthe lens 48 can rest and/or be supported by from the rear. Thus, thelens 48 is supported from behind by the central portion 44 and centralsupport wall 74 when the lens 48 is attached to the mask body 12, suchas when the nose extensions 68 a and 68 b are engaged with the centralreceiving slot 46. This provides a novel and effective arrangement thatprevents the lens 48 from displacing in relation to the mask body 12 ifimpacted by a projectile. If, for example, a projectile (such as apaintball) were to impact the lens 48 adjacent the nose portion 22 ofthe mask body 12 or the nose portion 66 of the lens 48, the mask body 12and lens 48 will not separate. The lens 48 will be supported from behindby the central support wall 74, and the mask body 12 will not be movedaway from the lens 48 or otherwise create a penetrable space or opening.The lens 48 is also supported within the slot 46 at its front by thenose portion 22. The arrangement of the present invention prevents thelens 48 from moving or otherwise being dislodged along its edges, as thenose extensions 68 a and 68 b are held within the central receiving slot46, and the upper flange 62 and the lower flanges 64 a, 64 b engage therespective receiving grooves 36 and 38 a, 38 b.

To provide further engagement of the mask body 12 and the lens 48, themask body 12 is formed having a right receiving opening 76 locatedadjacent the right temple portion 26, and a left receiving opening 78located adjacent the left temple portion 24, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 20.The lens 48 includes a corresponding respective right receiving opening80 and left receiving opening 82, as shown in FIGS. 5-7. The openings76, 78, 80, 82, are shaped and positioned to be in alignment when thelens 48 is attached to the mask body 12, with the right temple portion54 of the lens 48 overlapping a part of the right temple portion 26 ofthe mask body 12, and the left temple portion 56 of the lens 48overlapping a part of the left temple portion 24 of the mask body 12.

In order to affix the lens 48 to the mask body 12 adjacent the templeportions 24, 26, fasteners 83 are provided. In particular, the fasteners83 are preferably provided as two-piece elements, including a rightretaining element 84 and a left retaining element 86, and correspondingrespective right retaining clip 110 and left retaining clip 112. Ingeneral, the face mask system 10 of the present invention is designed sothat the lens 48 is securely and/or lockingly engaged to the mask body12 by a fastener 83 that includes at least a portion which is rotated atleast about a quarter turn relative to the mask body 12 and lens 48 tosecure the lens to the mask body. This provides for fast and efficientattachment and detachment of the lens 48 to and from the mask body 12.Unlike known goggle or mask systems, the present invention provides forretaining elements that lock the lens 48 on the mask body 12 by movingthe retaining elements by approximately at least about a quarter turn,or approximately at least about ninety degrees. The fasteners 83 arepreferably quick-release, cam-locking fasteners that are easily lockedand unlocked, and are separable from the lens and mask body.

As shown in FIGS. 12-14, each retaining element 84, 86 includes aretaining wall portion 88 having an inner surface 90 and an outersurface 92. Each retaining wall portion 88 is preferably ovoid in shape,although the wall portion 88 can be any shape. A retaining extension 94extending from the inner surface 90 of the retaining wall portion 88includes a base 96, a shaped post 98, and a tab portion 100. The base 96and tab portion 100 each have a generally trapezoidal cross section withrounded edges, as shown in FIGS. 12-14, with a larger portion 102,inwardly sloping walls 104 a, 104 b and a smaller portion 103 oppositethe larger portion 102. Each receiving opening 76, 78, 80, 82 ispreferably shaped having a generally trapezoidal cross section withrounded edges corresponding to the shape of the base 96 and tab 100,with each opening 76, 78, 80, 82 sized to be slightly larger than thebase 96 and tab 100, such that the base 96 and tab 100 can pass throughor alternately fit within each opening 76, 78, 80, 82. The rightretaining element 84 and the left retaining element 86 are essentiallymirror images of each other, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 20.

The post 98 preferably has a generally ovoid cross section, as shown inFIGS. 13-14. The positioning of the post 98 between the base 96 and thetab 100 provides a first groove 106 and a second groove 108. The firstgroove 106 and second groove 108 form a cam surface, as described ingreater detail below. As shown in FIG. 14, when viewing the rightretaining element 84 from the tab 100 side, the post 98 is orientedsloping from adjacent the upper left corner of the base 96 and tab 100,to adjacent the lower right corner of the base 96 and tab 100. The leftretaining element 86 provides a mirror image, with the post 98 beingoriented sloping from adjacent the upper right corner of the base 96 andtab 100, to adjacent the lower left corner of the base 96 and tab 100.

A right side retaining clip 110 and a left side retaining clip 112 areprovided for engaging the right retaining element 84 and the leftretaining element 86, respectively, as shown in FIGS. 4, 16-20. Theright side retaining clip 110 and a left side retaining clip 112 areessentially mirror images. The retaining clips 110, 112 are preferablygenerally L-shaped, and each has a generally trapezoidal opening 114shaped and sized to receive the tab 100. The openings 114 define a camsurface 116 for engaging the posts 98. Strap slots 118 are providedopposite the openings 114. These strap slots 118 are adapted to receivea strap (not shown) that can extend around the rear of the head of auser.

A description of how to secure and remove the lens 48 to and from themask body 12 will now be provided, using the example of the right templeportion 54 of the lens 58, right temple portion 26 of the mask body 12,right retaining element 84, and right side retaining clip 110, as shownin FIGS. 16-19.

The lens 48 is positioned over the lens opening 32. The mask body 12 isflexed, preferably by bringing the temple portions 24, 26 towards eachother. The nose portion 66 of the lens and nose extensions 68 a, 68 bare inserted into the slot 46. The flanges 62, 64 a, 64 b, are alignedwith and snapped into the grooves 36, 38 a, 38 b. The openings 76, 78,80, 82 are aligned, as shown in FIGS. 18-20.

The right retaining element 84 is inserted through the right receivingopening 80 of the lens 48, and the right receiving opening 76 of themask body 12, adjacent the temple portion 26 of the mask body 12, asshown in FIGS. 15, 18-19. The retaining extension 94 is preferably sizedso that the tab 100 and a portion of the post 98 and extend through theopenings 76, 80, and beyond the inner side 18 of the mask body 12. In anpreferred embodiment, the base 96 is sized to fit within the openings76, 80, acting as yet another alignment means, and to keep the lens 48from moving relative to the mask body 12, as shown in FIG. 15.

The right retaining clip 110 includes an opening 114 that is shaped tomatch the shape of the tab 100, and is slightly larger than the tab 100,as shown in FIGS. 16-17. The retaining clip 110 is positioned with thetab 100 passing through the opening 114, and the opening 114 alignedwith the post 98. The retaining wall portion 88 of the retaining element84 is positioned against the outer side 20 of the mask body 12, as shownin FIGS. 1 and 3. The retaining clip 110 is positioned against the innerside 18 of the mask body 18 adjacent the right temple portion 26, asshown in FIG. 15.

Due to their respective shapes, the post 98 and opening 114, includingthe cam surface 116, of the retaining clip 110 provide a cam and lockingaction to secure the retaining element 84 in place, and thereby securethe lens 48 to the mask body 12. The grooves 106, 108 of the post 98will preferably only allow the retaining clip 110 to move in onedirection, in the example, clockwise when viewing the mask 10 from theinner side 18, when positioned as in FIGS. 18-19. When the retainingclip 110 is turned from a first or “unlocked” position, to a second or“locked” position at approximately about a quarter turn, orapproximately about ninety degrees, as shown in FIGS. 18-19, theinteraction of the shaped opening 114 and the shaped post 98 provide asecured or locking engagement. The tab 100, post 98 and the retainingclip 110 are sized so that the retaining clip 110 fits firmly betweenthe inner side 18 of the mask 10 and the tab 100, as shown in FIG. 15.Turning the retaining clip 110 as described “sandwiches” the mask body12 and the lens 48 between the retaining wall 88 and the retaining clip110 and tab 100, providing securing the lens 48 in place on the maskbody 12, as shown in FIG. 15. The left retaining element 86, leftretaining clip 112, and left side openings 78, 82, operate as describedabove, in essentially a mirror image of the right side.

The retaining clips 110, 112 may include a sloped portion 122 oppositethe strap slots 118, as shown in FIGS. 16-17. The sloped portion 122 mayinclude a first stop portion 124 and a second stop portion 126. Theinner side 18 of the mask body 12 is provided with a extension portions128 positioned around the lens opening 32 as shown in FIGS. 18-19. Theextension portions 128 may have foam or another impact resistantmaterial attached thereto in order to provide a comfortable fit whenworn by a user, and to provide additional shock resistance when aprojectile impacts the mask 10 being worn by a user. The extensionportions 128 are preferably positioned as shown in FIGS. 2, 18-19, toprovide receiving spaces 130 a, 130 b adjacent the temple portions 24,26 of the mask body 12. The receiving spaces 130 a, 130 b are sized toreceive the sloped portion 122 of the retaining clips 110, 112.

When the retaining clips 110, 112 are rotated to lock the retainingelements 84, 86 in place, the sloped portions 122 of the retaining clips110, 112 fit within the receiving spaces 130 a, 130 b, with the firststop portion 124 and the second stop portion 126 contacting theextension portions 128 at contact points 134 a, 134 b as shown in FIG.19. The second stop portion 126 preferably includes a notch that engagescontact point 134 b of the extension portion 128. The notch 132 providesa locking portion for snapping engagement with the contact point 134 bwhen the retaining clips 110, 112 are rotated into the locking position,as shown in FIG. 19. This provides an additional engagement means formaintaining the retaining clips 110, 112 in place when the mask 10 isfully assembled. When assembled, the receiving clips 110, 112 arepositioned so that the strap slots 118 point rearward (relative to theuser), and a strap (not pictured) may be attached. In addition, the maskbody 12 may be provided with strap openings 119 at opposite ends of themask body, as show in FIGS. 2, 18-19, that allow a strap to be threadedthrough the openings.

When the retaining clips 110, 112 are in a locked position, as in FIG.19, the flanges 62, 64 a, 64 b are further secured within the grooves36, 38 a, 38 b. The lens 48 will not slide or otherwise move in relationto the mask body 12. The nose portion 66 of the lens will not dislodgefrom the central receiving slot 46. This arrangement provides a secureface protection system, where the lens will not be dislodged even if hitfrom various angles with a projectile at high speed or other flyingobjects.

To disassemble the mask 10, right side retaining clip 110 is unlockedand rotated counterclockwise, while left side retaining clip 112 isrotated clockwise. The notches 134 of the retaining clips 110, 112disengage the second contact point 134 b. The sloped portions 122 allowthe retaining clips 110, 112 to rotate in the directions as described.When the openings 114 are aligned so that the tabs 100 can pass throughthe openings 114, the retaining elements 84, 86 can be pushed out of theopenings 76, 78, 80, 82. The lens 48 can now be removed by flexing themask body 12, and disengaging the flanges 64 a, 64 b, from the grooves36 a, 36 b, and removing the nose portion 66 of the lens 48 and noseextensions 68 a, 68 b from the central receiving slot 46.

The novel arrangement of the present invention provides increasedprotection in that the lens 48 is prevented from moving away from orotherwise dislodging from the mask body 12 when either are impacted by aprojectile. Thus, in the sport of paintball, by way of example, if aprojectile (paintball) is fired at a user and contacts the mask body 12near an edge of the lens 48, the present face mask 10 will not allow theliquid paint from the projectile or the projectile shell to pass underor around the lens 48 into the interior of the mask body 12 or innerside 60 of the lens 48. Several known goggle systems suffer fromproblems when a paintball hits the mask near the nose area. The presentinvention provides a means for preventing separation of the lens andmask body upon impact. It should be appreciated that the lens 48overlaps, or is sized larger than, the innermost edge of the lenssupporting portion 34, as shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 20. This overlapprovides added protection to a user, as it is difficult for a projectileto force its way between the lens 48 and mask body 12.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIGS.21-24, additional means for securing the lens to the mask body areprovided locking tabs 162 a (left), 162 b (right) are provided forlocking the retaining clips 110, 112 in a secured position. The rightlocking tabs 162 b, for example, includes a first lower wall 164, anangled vertical wall 166, a top clamp wall 168 having a contouredlowered surface 170, and an extension portion 172 extending from the topclamp wall 168. Left locking tab 162 a is a mirror image of rightlocking tab 162 b.

As shown in FIGS. 21-24, when the retaining clips 110, 112 is rotated tosecure the retaining elements 84, 86, the locking tabs 162 a, 162 b areplaced in a locking position with the first horizontal wall 162 insertedin the opening between the sloping wall 104 a of the tabs 100, and thecam surface 116 of the openings 114 in the retaining clips 110, 112. Thelocking tabs 162 a, 162 b are snapped into place, with the contouredlowered surface 170 snapping partially in between the retaining clips110, 112 and the inner surface 18 of the mask body 12. The extensionportion 172 may be used to disengage the locking tabs 162 a, 162 b whena user seeks to remove the retaining clips 110, 112, retaining elements84, 86, and/or the lens 48.

The present invention also provides for a novel goggle system 200,having a similar lens and body arrangement as previously described, andas shown in FIGS. 25-27. Similarly to the mask body 12, a goggle frame138 is provided having an upper portion 142, lower portion 144, righttemple portion 146, left temple portion 148, inner side 150 facing auser, and an outer side 152 facing away from the user. The goggle frame138 has a lens supporting portion 140 that is essentially the completewall forming the outer side 152 of the goggle frame 138. The lens 48substantially covers the entire outer side 152 of the goggle frame 138,so that the outer side 152 of the goggle frame 138 is effectively thesame size as the lens 48. The goggle frame 138 has a right templeportion 154 with a right receiving opening (similar to the right templeportion 26 and the right receiving opening 76 of the mask body 12), anda left temple portion 156 with a left receiving opening (similar to theleft temple portion 24 and left receiving opening 78 of the mask body12).

The goggle frame includes an upper groove 62, and lower grooves 64 a, 64b, as previously described above, for receiving the upper flange 62, andlower flanges 64 a, 64 b, of the lens 48. A central portion 44 isprovided having a central support wall 74 that the nose portion 66 ofthe lens 48 rests against. In the goggle system 200 version of thepresent invention, it is not necessary to include a central receivingslot 46 or nose portion 22 of the goggle frame 138, as the lenscompletely covers the goggle frame 138, and therefore, it is unlikelythat the lens 48 could be dislodged. However, a goggle system 200according to the present invention may be formed with a centralreceiving slot 46 or nose portion 22, as described in detail above, andthe lens may snap in place in the grooves, as discussed in detail above,providing yet another secure connection of the lens 48 to the goggleframe 138.

The inner side 150 of the goggle frame 138 includes extension portions128, with receiving spaces 130 a (left), 130 b (right), as previouslydescribed. The retaining elements 84, 86 and retaining clips 110, 112 aspreviously described are used in connection with the goggle frame 138 toaffix the lens 48 to the goggle frame 138.

Having thus described in detail several embodiments of the face mask andgoggle systems of the present invention, it is to be appreciated andwill be apparent to those skilled in the art that many physical changes,only a few of which are exemplified in the detailed description of theinvention, could be made without altering the inventive concepts andprinciples embodied therein. It is also to be appreciated that numerousembodiments incorporating only part of the preferred embodiment arepossible which do not alter, with respect to those parts, the inventiveconcepts and principles embodied therein. The present embodiment andoptional configurations are therefore to be considered in all respectsas exemplary and/or illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of theinvention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by theforegoing description, and all alternate embodiments and changes to thisembodiment which come within the meaning and range of equivalency ofsaid claims are therefore to be embraced therein.

1. A protective face mask system comprising: a flexible mask bodycomprising: a nose portion, right and left temple portions; right andleft cheek portions; an opening formed in the mask configured to receivea lens, the opening having a right portion, a left portion, an upperportion and a lower portion; a lens supporting portion extending betweenthe temple portions, the lens supporting portion positioned above theupper portion of the lens opening; a first groove formed in the lenssupporting portion, the first groove extending along a majority of thelength of the lens supporting portion; a second groove formed in theleft cheek portion; a third groove formed in the right cheek portion;and, a lens having a front and a rear, the lens sized to be receivedupon and cover the lens opening, the lens including an upper portion, alower portion, a right side, and a left side; an upper flange projectingfrom the rear of the upper portion of the lens, the upper flangeextending along a majority of the length of the upper portion of thelens, the upper flange configured to be received within the firstgroove; a lower left flange projecting from the rear of the left side ofthe lens, the lower left flange configured to be received within thesecond groove; a lower right flange projecting from the rear of theright side of the lens, the lower right flange configured to be receivedwithin the third groove; wherein arranging the upper flange, lower leftflange, and lower right flange within the first groove, second grooveand third groove prevents movement of the lens relative to the maskbody, and wherein the lens and mask body further comprise correspondingopenings, which are in alignment when the lens is positioned on the maskbody, and further comprising at least one fastener for securing the lensto the mask body, the fastener comprising a retaining element and aretaining clip, a portion of the retaining element insertable throughthe corresponding openings and the retaining clip, the retaining clipconfigured to secure the retaining element by rotating retaining cliprelative to the retaining element.
 2. The face mask system of claim 1,wherein the mask body further comprises a central portion positioned tothe rear of and extending at least partially above the nose portion, anda central receiving slot positioned between the nose portion and thecentral portion, the central receiving slot configured to receive acentral portion of the lens.
 3. The face mask system of claim 1, whereinthe mask body and lens include openings alignable when the lens ispositioned on the mask body, and wherein the fastener further comprises:a retaining element including a retaining wall portion, a retainingextension extending from a face of the retaining wall portion and sizedand shaped to insert into the mask body opening and the correspondinglens opening; and, a retaining clip rotatable from a first unlockedposition to a second lock position, the retaining clip including aretaining clip opening sized and shaped to receive at least a portion ofthe shaped retaining extension.
 4. The face mask system of claim 3,wherein the retaining extension of the retaining element is insertedfrom an outside surface of the lens through the opening in the lens andthrough the corresponding opening in the mask body, and the retainingclip engages the retaining extension adjacent an inner surface of themask body.
 5. A face mask system comprising: a flexible mask bodycomprising: a nose portion, right and left temple portions; left andright cheek portions; an opening formed in the mask configured toreceive a lens, the opening having a right portion, a left portion, anupper portion and a lower portion; a lens supporting portion extendingbetween the temple portions, the lens supporting portion positionedabove the upper portion of the lens opening; a first groove formed inthe lens supporting portion, the first groove extending along themajority of the length of the lens supporting portion; a second grooveformed in the left cheek portion; a third groove formed in the rightcheek portion; and, a lens having a front and a rear, the lens sized tobe received upon and cover the lens opening, the lens including an upperportion, a lower portion, a right side, and a left side; an upper flangeprojecting from the rear of the upper portion of the lens, the upperflange extending along a majority of the length of the upper portion ofthe lens, the upper flange configured to be received within the firstgroove; a lower left flange projecting from the rear of the left side ofthe lens, the lower left flange configured to be received within thesecond groove; a lower right flange projecting from the rear of theright side of the lens, the lower right flange configured to be receivedwithin the third groove; wherein arranging the upper flange, lower leftflange, and lower right flange within the first groove, second grooveand third groove prevents movement of the lens relative to the maskbody; a lens having a right temple portion including an opening foralignment with the right temple portion of the mask body when the lensis in an assembled position, and a left temple portion including anopening for alignment with the left temple portion of the mask body whenthe lens is in an assembled position; at least one two-piece fastenerfor securing the lens to the mask body when the openings are aligned,the fastener comprising: a retaining element including a retaining wallportion, a retaining extension extending from a face of the retainingwall portion sized and shaped to insert into one of the mask bodyopenings and a corresponding lens opening when the lens is in anassembled positioned; and, a retaining clip including a retaining clipopening sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of the retainingextension, the retaining clip moveable from a first unlocked position toa second locked position.
 6. The face mask system of claim 5, whereinthe retaining extension of the retaining element is inserted from anoutside surface of the lens through the opening in the lens and throughthe corresponding opening in the mask body, and the retaining clipengages the retaining extension adjacent an inner surface of the maskbody.
 7. The face mask system of claim 5, wherein the fastener securesthe lens to the mask body when the retaining extension is insertedthrough an opening in the retaining clip, and the retaining clip isturned relative to the retaining element at least about a quarter turnfrom a first position to a second position.